Shohei Ohtani, the multi-talented MLB star, didn’t just make headlines on the field but also in the world of collectibles. At the one-of-a-kind “Holy Grails” auction, a joint effort between Fanatics Collect and Sotheby’s held in Harlem, Ohtani’s rookie card stole the show. The 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Autographs Superfractor card, a unique piece, fetched an impressive $336,000, setting a new record for an Ohtani card sale. This amount surpassed the previous record of $312,000 set in December 2021, showcasing the soaring value of Ohtani memorabilia.
Initially estimated to be valued between $80,000 and $120,000, the final price far exceeded expectations, fueled by Ohtani’s exceptional on-field performances. He made history by becoming the first MLB player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, further boosting the card’s allure.
Sotheby’s head of collectibles, Brahm Wachter, expressed his admiration for the Ohtani card, placing it as the highlight of the auction by featuring it in the first lot. The event, hosted at the converted Harlem Parish venue, attracted a star-studded audience that included prominent figures like Tom Brady, Robert Kraft, Logan Paul, and Meek Mill.
An unforgettable moment occurred when Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, grabbed attention by acquiring a Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph card for $120,000, adding a touch of NFL royalty to the event. The night saw several other noteworthy sales, such as a 2022 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman Prospect Autograph Superfractor card of Elly De La Cruz, a rising MLB talent, which sold for $360,000, surpassing Ohtani’s record.
However, the most extravagant bid of the night came for a 2005-06 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card showcasing NBA icons Michael Jordan and Julius Erving. This exclusive card, featuring game-used NBA logo patches from the legends’ jerseys, fetched an eye-watering $780,000, underscoring the allure of rare sports memorabilia.
The “Holy Grails” auction brought together some of the most sought-after sports collectibles, with Ohtani’s remarkable sale marking a sensational start to an evening filled with remarkable bids and iconic items.
